Memo on Acting Subject: Acting and Reacting - Meisner Technique - A Word from MD

Twelve Angry Jurors'

What is the Meisner Technique? Acting and reacting is a wonderful concept, but many times it is not used to its full potential. Let's take a look at it. 

You say a line with conviction, but you don't react to it. You deliver a line to someone in a scene, but you don't respond to the other character's reaction. When the character says a line to you, your only response is a line from the writer. Where does that leave you? With a stiff or robotic reaction—no natural response, no instinctual reaction. 

The essence of Meisner's idea is to react with true conviction, eliminating stiffness or wooden responses. You must rely solely on your true instincts. You need to trust yourself and your real reactions that come from listening to and observing the other character. This also involves understanding what you are really saying and the impact it has on you and the other character. 

You should react to your space, the time of day, and the moment of the scene. Reacting to how your character feels in that moment and to your circumstances is crucial. Acting and reacting is about believing in yourself and in what you are saying and trusting your real instincts. 

This is where acting and reacting truly works. Last but very important is preparation. Working on all the details of your character and the scenes you are in is essential. When you are fully prepared, then and only then does acting and reacting really work. Your subconscious comes to life, leading to a conscious result—the beauty of being in the moment. 

Then you will truly feel fulfilled as an actor by trusting your instincts, which results in authentic acting and reacting.

A Word From IA Director MD